scholarly journals Cropping Practices and Effects on Soil Nutrient Adequacy Levels and Cassava Yield of Smallholder Farmers in Northern Zambia

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Peter Kaluba ◽  
Sydney Mwamba ◽  
Dany Pascal Moualeu-Ngangue ◽  
Martin Chiona ◽  
Kalaluka Munyinda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Stage ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Nonparametric Test ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Exchangeable K ◽  
Cropping Practices

Cassava is a staple food and a major source of income for many smallholder farmers. However, its yields are less than 6 t ha−1 compared to a potential yield of 20–25 t ha−1 in Zambia. Understanding cropping practices and constraints in cassava production systems is imperative for sustainable intensification. Therefore, a survey of 40 households each with three fields of cassava at 12, 24, and 36 months after planting (MAP) was conducted. Analyzed soil data, leaf area index (LAI), intercepted photosynthetically active radiation, and management practices from 120 fields were collected and subjected to descriptive statistics. To explain yield differences within the same cassava growth stage group, the data were grouped into low- and high-yield categories using the median, before applying a nonparametric test for one independent sample. Stepwise regressions were performed on each growth stage and the whole dataset to determine factors affecting tuber yield. Cassava intercropping and monocropping systems were the main cropping systems for the 12 and 24–36 MAP, respectively. Cassava yields declined by 209 and 633 kg ha−1 at 12 and 36 MAP due to soil nutrient depletion for each year of cultivation until field abandonment at 8–9 years. Fresh cassava yields ranged from 3.51–8.51, 13.52–25.84, and 16.92–30.98 t ha−1 at 12, 24, and 36 MAP, respectively. For every one unit increment in exchangeable K (cmol (+)/kg soil), cassava yield increased by 435, 268, and 406 kg ha−1 at 12, 24, and 36 MAP, respectively. One unit increment of magnesium (cmol (+)/kg soil) gave the highest yield increase of 525 kg ha−1 at 24 MAP. The low levels of soil organic carbon explained the deficient nitrogen in cassava fields, which limits the LAI growth and consequently reduced intercepted radiation and low yields. The effect of exchangeable K on growth was limited by the moderate availability of Mg and low N, thus the need for balanced fertilizer regimes.

scholarly journals Agro-Economic Evaluation of Alternative Crop Management Options for Teff Production in Midland Agro-Ecology, Ethiopia

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 298
Author(s):  
Fekremariam Asargew Mihretie ◽  
Atsushi Tsunekawa ◽  
Nigussie Haregeweyn ◽  
Enyew Adgo ◽  
Mitsuru Tsubo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Crop Management ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Agronomic Performance ◽  
Labor Costs ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Weed Population

Teff is an important crop for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Improved crop management practices are needed to increase teff productivity and decrease production costs. Here, we used a split–split plot design to evaluate the impacts of different tillage, sowing, and soil compaction practices, and their combinations, on agronomic performance, weed population, lodging, and cost in teff production at the Aba Gerima watershed in northwestern Ethiopia in 2018–2020. Reduced tillage (RT) improved soil moisture, resulting in increased agronomic performance and decreased production costs compared with conventional tillage (CT); however, the weed population was substantially larger with RT than with CT. Row planting (RP) reduced seed cost and lodging but increased sowing and weeding costs compared with broadcast planting (BP). Plant population and leaf area index were substantially greater with BP than with RP during early-stage growth, but this reversed during late-stage growth. Despite labor costs being significantly greater with (WC) compaction than without (NC), little to no differences were observed in the weed population or in agronomic performance. Partial cost–benefit analysis revealed that RT–RP–WC followed by RT–RP–NC was the most economical treatment combination, suggesting that RT–RP–NC could be a labor-effective means of increasing teff production by smallholder farms in Ethiopia.

scholarly journals Empirical Analysis of the Factors that Affecting Maize Production of Farmers among Smallholders: The Case of Eastern Oromia, Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-145
Author(s):  
Murad Mohammed
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Potential Yield ◽  
Maize Crop ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Smallholder Farm

In Ethiopia, maize is the second largest in production areas and first in its productivity but there are high yield gaps between the actual yield currently producing and the potential yield. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify factors that affecting maize production of smallholder farmers at the farm level in the Meta district in the east Hararge zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. A two-stage random sampling technique was employed and a total of 200 smallholder farmers were randomly and proportionally selected to collect primary data. Multiple linear regression models were used to analysis factors that affect maize production among smallholder farmers. The result showed that the production of maize was influenced by several factors. The coefficient provided that as the farmers obtained 1 dollar from non-farm activity, the maize production of farmers increased by 293.2 kg, keeping other factors constant. Thus, the farmers who had money from non-farm sources used as additional income to gain agricultural inputs for maize production and thus generate more maize quantity. The result was pointed out that the size of the cultivated areas of land had a positive influence on the quantity of maize production of farmers. The coefficient entailed that as the size of the cultivated areas of land increased by one hectare, the farmer’s quantity of maize production increased by 140.4 kg by keeping other factors constant. The result was also indicated that other factors being constant, the maize crop production of smallholder farmers of Meta district was decreased by 4 kg as Development Agent’s (DA’s) office distance increased by one minute. The possible explanation was that extension services were a critical source of information on agronomic practices. Therefore, policy makers should encourage the current maize production and supplying improved seed and chemical fertilizer which support to improve smallholder farm households’ welfare by increasing their sources of income.

scholarly journals Plant–atmosphere and soil–atmosphere temperature differences and their impact on grain yield of super hybrid rice under different irrigation conditions

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243580
Author(s):  
Guiyuan Meng ◽  
Rongqian Zheng ◽  
Haiping Chen ◽  
Guohui Ma ◽  
Zhongwei Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Stress ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Hybrid Rice ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Super Hybrid Rice ◽  
Soil Atmosphere

Continued drought during the late growth stage of super hybrid rice (SHR) markedly reduces yield, and management practices that use water more efficiently can contribute greatly to high and stable yields from SHR. The absolute temperature differences (ATDs) between the rice plant and the atmosphere and between the soil and the atmosphere are believed to be important determinants of grain yield. However, it has not previously been determined whether these ATDs have any effect on SHR yields under water-saving cultivation. A two-year field experiment involving two SHR varieties, Liangyoupeijiu (LYPJ) and Y-Liangyou 9000 (YLY900), evaluated the effects of reducing water supply from mid-booting to maturity on grain yield, canopy relative humidity (CRH), leaf area index (LAI), and ATDs between the ambient temperature and the leaf surface, panicles, canopy, and soil. Grain yield increased significantly under shallow water irrigation (SW), by 8.84% (YLY900) and 12.26% (LYPJ), but decreased significantly under mild water stress (MS, −20 to −30 kPa), by 14.36% (YLY900) and 9.47% (LYPJ), as well as severe water stress (SS, −40 to −50 kPa), by 35.06% (YLY900) and 28.74% (LYPJ). As water supply decreased, so did the CRH and the ATDs, with significant decreases under MS and SS. The temperature differences were significantly and positively correlated with grain yield (P < 0.01) in both cultivars. LAI was increased under SW conditions, but was significantly decreased under MS and SS. Our study suggests that the dual goal of saving water while maintaining high yield can be achieved by applying SW irrigation from mid-booting to maturity and by adopting cultivation measures that maintain high CRH and high plant–atmosphere and soil–atmosphere ATDs in order to alleviate water stress. YLY900 has a higher yield potential than LYPJ under SW conditions, suggesting that its wide cultivation may help achieve this dual goal.

Coordinated Rice Improvement Project in India: Its Significant Achievements and Future prospects

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (Special) ◽  
pp. 82-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
LV Subba Rao ◽  
RA Fiyaz ◽  
AK Jukanti ◽  
G Padmavathi ◽  
J Badri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Nutritional Security ◽  
Food Grain ◽  
Rice Improvement ◽  
Food And Nutritional Security ◽  
Sincere Effort

India is the second largest producer of rice in the world and it is the most important staple food grain. All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project (AICRIP) was initiated with objective of conducting multi-location trials to identify suitable genotypes of high yield potential along with appropriate crop management practices. Since its inception AICRIP contributed significantly in meeting the growing demand both within and outside India. Significant progress has been achieved through AICRIP in terms of varietal release thereby increasing the crop productivity and also meeting the food and nutritional security. This paper makes a sincere effort in bringing out the significant achievements/milestones achieved under the AICRIP program and also gives a few directions for widening the areas under AICRIP.

scholarly journals Precision Agriculture for Resource Use Efficiency in Smallholder Farming Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1158
Author(s):  
Cecilia M. Onyango ◽  
Justine M. Nyaga ◽  
Johanna Wetterlind ◽  
Mats Söderström ◽  
Kristin Piikki
Keyword(s):  
Resource Use ◽  
Precision Agriculture ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
English Language ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Smallholder Farming ◽  
Sub Saharan

Opportunities exist for adoption of precision agriculture technologies in all parts of the world. The form of precision agriculture may vary from region to region depending on technologies available, knowledge levels and mindsets. The current review examined research articles in the English language on precision agriculture practices for increased productivity among smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 7715 articles were retrieved and after screening 128 were reviewed. The results indicate that a number of precision agriculture technologies have been tested under SSA conditions and show promising results. The most promising precision agriculture technologies identified were the use of soil and plant sensors for nutrient and water management, as well as use of satellite imagery, GIS and crop-soil simulation models for site-specific management. These technologies have been shown to be crucial in attainment of appropriate management strategies in terms of efficiency and effectiveness of resource use in SSA. These technologies are important in supporting sustainable agricultural development. Most of these technologies are, however, at the experimental stage, with only South Africa having applied them mainly in large-scale commercial farms. It is concluded that increased precision in input and management practices among SSA smallholder farmers can significantly improve productivity even without extra use of inputs.

scholarly journals Exploring the variability of soil nutrient outflows as influenced by land use and management practices in contrasting agro-ecological environments

2021 ◽  
pp. 147450
Author(s):  
Temesgen Mulualem ◽  
Enyew Adgo ◽  
Derege Tsegaye Meshesha ◽  
Atsushi Tsunekawa ◽  
Nigussie Haregeweyn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Land Use And Management

scholarly journals Farmers’ knowledge and perception of finger millet blast disease and its control practices in western Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilton Mbinda ◽  
Agnes Kavoo ◽  
Fredah Maina ◽  
Margaret Odeph ◽  
Cecilia Mweu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Finger Millet ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Blast Disease ◽  
Eastern Africa ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Global Food Security ◽  
Disease Occurrence

Abstract Background Finger millet blast disease, caused by Pyricularia oryzae, is a serious constrain of finger millet production which is threatening global food security especially to the resource poor smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid regions. The disease adversely affects finger millet production and consumption due to its wide distribution and destruction in all finger millet growing areas of southern Asia and eastern Africa. Here, we present a study that investigated the occurrence, impact, risk factors and farmers’ knowledge and perceptions of finger millet blast in Kenya. Methods We surveyed blast disease occurrence and interviewed farmers in Bungoma and Kisii Counties of Kenya during March–April 2019. Data were analysed using SPSS statistical program. Descriptive analysis was done by calculating means, percentages, frequencies, and standard errors. Comparative statistics, chi-square and t-tests, were used to evaluate differences existing among the farm characteristics and socio-demographics and the knowledge and perceptions of blast disease and its management practices. Results Our results show that blast disease is prevalent in all surveyed areas and adversely affects the productivity of the crop leading to poor yields. The disease occurrence varied from 92 to 98%, and was significantly higher in the major finger millet growing areas compared to the minor ones. Blast occurrence was associated with rainfall, altitude, planting density, intercropping and other farming practices. In all the surveyed regions, farmers had little knowledge about blast disease identification, its detection and spread. Further, the farmers’ awareness of blast disease control was inconsistent with established practices. Conclusions Our results show mitigation of finger millet blast disease should aim at improving farmers’ adoption of best practices through development of acceptable blast-resistant finger millet varieties, use of sustainable disease management practices, fostering linkages and creating new partnerships in the production-supply chain and maintaining a functional seed system. Findings from this study provide essential insights for effective decision making and management of the disease. This is fundamental to sustainable and secure food and income for finger millet growing farmers in Kenya.

scholarly journals Responses of Branch Number and Yield Component of Soybean Cultivars Tested in Different Planting Densities

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 69
Author(s):  
Cailong Xu ◽  
Ruidong Li ◽  
Wenwen Song ◽  
Tingting Wu ◽  
Shi Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Key Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Yield Component ◽  
Planting Density ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Branch Number ◽  
Soybean Yield ◽  
Soybean Cultivars ◽  
Pod Number

Increasing planting density is one of the key management practices to enhance soybean yield. A 2-yr field experiment was conducted in 2018 and 2019 including six planting densities and two soybean cultivars to determine the effects of planting density on branch number and yield, and analyze the contribution of branches to yield. The yield of ZZXA12938 was 4389 kg ha−1, which was significantly higher than that of ZH13 (+22.4%). In combination with planting year and cultivar, the soybean yield increased significantly by 16.2%, 31.4%, 41.4%, and 46.7% for every increase in density of 45,000 plants ha−1. Yield will not increase when planting density exceeds 315,000 plants ha−1. A correlation analysis showed that pod number per plant increased with the increased branch number, while pod number per unit area decreased; thus, soybean yield decreased. With the increase of branch number, the branch contribution to yield increased first, and then plateaued. ZH13 could produce a high yield under a lower planting density due to more branches, while ZZXA12938 had a higher yield potential under a higher planting density due to the smaller branch number and higher tolerance to close planting. Therefore, seed yield can be increased by selecting cultivars with a little branching capacity under moderately close planting.

Assessment of sowing dates and plant densities using CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean for soybean maturity groups in low latitude

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
L. S. Sampaio ◽  
R. Battisti ◽  
M. A. Lana ◽  
K. J. Boote
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Crop Model ◽  
Management Scenarios ◽  
Low Latitude ◽  
Area Index ◽  
Sowing Dates ◽  
Plant Densities ◽  
Maturity Groups

Abstract Crop models can be used to explain yield variations associated with management practices, environment and genotype. This study aimed to assess the effect of plant densities using CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean for low latitudes. The crop model was calibrated and evaluated using data from field experiments, including plant densities (10, 20, 30 and 40 plants per m2), maturity groups (MG 7.7 and 8.8) and sowing dates (calibration: 06 Jan., 19 Jan., 16 Feb. 2018; and evaluation: 19 Jan. 2019). The model simulated phenology with a bias lower than 2 days for calibration and 7 days for evaluation. Relative root mean square error for the maximum leaf area index varied from 12.2 to 31.3%; while that for grain yield varied between 3 and 32%. The calibrated model was used to simulate different management scenarios across six sites located in the low latitude, considering 33 growing seasons. Simulations showed a higher yield for 40 pl per m2, as expected, but with greater yield gain increments occurring at low plant density going from 10 to 20 pl per m2. In Santarém, Brazil, MG 8.8 sown on 21 Feb. had a median yield of 2658, 3197, 3442 and 3583 kg/ha, respectively, for 10, 20, 30 and 40 pl per m2, resulting in a relative increase of 20, 8 and 4% for each additional 10 pl per m2. Overall, the crop model had adequate performance, indicating a minimum recommended plant density of 20 pl per m2, while sowing dates and maturity groups showed different yield level and pattern across sites in function of the local climate.

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